Mr. Harmon Oliver Dawson, 97

Mr. Harmon Oliver Dawson, 97, left us peacefully Jan. 19 in the kind care of Bacon County Hospital following the struggle of recovery from a stroke Aug. 24, 2023. He has been lifted up by friends, family and caretakers throughout his journey. Harmon rests now in the arms of our Lord and is reunited with his wife, family and friends that have gone before him.
Mr. Dawson was born May 29, 1926, in Hazlehurst to parents Goodlett Wesley Dawson and Gussie Adela Reagin Dawson. After graduating from high school in Jeff Davis County and following his parents in a career in farming, loving the land and animals, he married the love of his life Cloteel Annette Carver, July 7, 1945. Harmon has been singing bass since his teenage years where sings were held in his childhood home in the Altamaha area of Jeff Davis County. He attended over 17 singing schools. With his wife, he formed the Good News Quartet which included his cousins Irwin McLendon and Boots Reagin with J. C. Cooper playing the piano. This led them to churches all over the southeast for singing conventions. His children were immersed in sacred and southern gospel music, the love of which continues today.
Harmon was predeceased by his parents, his sister Christine D. Kelley, and his wife of 72 years, Cloteel Dawson.
Survivors include his son Rhonwyn Dawson (Judy), daughter Rhonda D. Bennett (John), granddaughter Christie D. Marchant (Britt) and great-granddaughter Madison M. Carroll (Rhett). His family knew their beloved dad would continually give unconditional love and encourage and cheer them in their endeavors.
Harmon was active in all things Farm Bureau attending numerous state conventions and several national conventions. He was a past deacon of First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst where he sang bass in the choir and in the First Baptist Church Quartet. After the days of the gospel singing conventions passed, he continued his love of music by never stopping the Good News Quartet, although many members changed through the years. The group currently consists of Harmon, Jimmie Ryles, Mike Cothran, John and Rose Hunt, Sue Sammons, and John and Rhonda Bennett. Jimmie and Arlene Ryles have been generous in allowing the use of their Syrup House to become a well-known haven where often over 75 lovers of Christian fellowship and music could gather several times a month over many years to sing God’s praises.
Harmon was a devoted husband, father and friend who never missed an opportunity for a wonderful conversation, sharing warmth and long-earned wisdom. He was kind and always content, finding great joy in the simple things of life. He will be missed but often remembered.
Services held at Hazlehurst First Baptist Church Jan. 23. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery. Officiating was the Rev. Rick Brown and the Rev. Brad Waters along with special friend Jimmie Ryles. Music was provided by Brigette Corbin, members of the Good News Quartet and the congregation.
Pallbearers were Ashley Tyree, Lonnie Roberts, Tim Callaway, David Clements, Kelley Clements, and Scott Powell.
Honorary pallbearers were Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau Directors, FBC Men’s Sunday School Class, Deacons and wives, friends of the Syrup House Gospel Music, and Caretakers Katie Miller, Kimberly Dowling, Linda Wright Kelly, and Speech Therapist Millie Hewett. In lieu of flowers, the family asks the following organizations be considered for donation: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org/donatetoday or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or t2t.org/donate.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.